President Trump on Wednesday afternoon congratulated China’s President Xi Jinping on his recent honor within the country’s communist party.
“Spoke to President Xi of China to congratulate him on his extraordinary elevation,” Trump tweeted. “Also discussed NoKo & trade, two very important subjects!”
“Melania and I look forward to being with President Xi & Madame Peng Liyuan in China in two weeks for what will hopefully be a historic trip!” Trump wrote in a subsequent tweet.
China’s Communist Party formally elevated Xi on Tuesday to the same status as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.
The unanimous decision will make Xi, who was elected in 2012, the most powerful leader the county has seen in decades, making it likely he will serve beyond 2022, when his current term ends. {mosads}
Trump will leave on Nov. 3 for a 12-day Asia trip, during which he will visit China, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea.